Mandurah Detectives charge man with 160 offences over NDIS fraud

Mandurah Detectives have charged a 35-year-old man with 160 offences following a mammoth investigation into a series of alleged fraud and deception crimes committed across the Perth and Mandurah areas.

An initial investigation was launched in June 2025 following an alleged aggravated burglary at a home in Mandurah.

"The operation rapidly uncovered a wide range of alleged criminal activities, including the man’s involvement in large-scale fraud targeting a government-funded disability support program. He is accused of posing as a disability services coordinator, submitting multiple fraudulent invoices and defrauding the system of over $180,000," a WA Police spokesperson said.

John Sutherland is also accused of committing multiple counts of identity theft, used false business credentials to exploit vulnerable individuals - including a woman aged in her sixties – using her home as a base for his criminal activities.  

The 35-year-old also allegedly defrauded corporate accounts, hired several luxury vehicles using falsified documents, and engaged in identity fraud linked to deceased estates, as well as driving on multiple occasions without a driver’s license. 

In another matter, Sutherland was allegedly involved in a 24-minute police pursuit that ended in Baldivis on August 23, 2025.

He allegedly rode a motorcycle at high speed and recklessly while being chase by police before he was boxed in outside a service station and taken into custody.

Sutherland has remained in custody since then.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and urge anyone who believes they may have been affected by his activities to make contact with police.

“This was a highly complex investigation that began as inquiries into a serious burglary and quickly uncovered a broader range of alleged criminal activity,"  Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Cox, Mandurah Detectives said.

“We remind the community to remain vigilant against fraudulent activity and scams. Offenders often use sophisticated methods to deceive individuals into sharing personal information, transferring funds, or engaging with malicious content. 

“This investigation was lengthy and reinforces the Western Australia Police Force’s zero-tolerance approach to fraud-related offences. Individuals who exploit vulnerable members of the community for financial gain will be held accountable. 

“Let this serve as a clear warning to anyone engaging in fraudulent behaviour – we will find you, we will investigate thoroughly, and you will be brought to justice.” 

Anyone with any information about this case can also make a report to Crime Stoppers WA online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.  

Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.